Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty and support for President Bola Tinubu’s transformational policies and programmes, dismissing reports suggesting he criticised the President as false and misleading.
Tuggar made the clarification through a statement issued on Sunday in Bauchi by his media aide, Abdulkadir Alkassim, following reactions to remarks he made during a recent Hausa-language interview.
According to Alkassim, reports portraying the former minister as critical of President Tinubu were deliberate distortions of his comments.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar did not criticise or question President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and a deliberate distortion of his remarks,” Alkassim stated.
He stressed that Tuggar remains fully committed to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the success of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
“The former minister remains a loyal supporter of the President, fully committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the success of the APC-led administration,” he added.
Alkassim explained that the interview centred on concerns regarding internal party processes in Bauchi State, particularly the need to uphold transparency, fairness and internal democracy within the APC.
He noted that Tuggar’s position was that party members should be allowed to freely choose their candidates through credible and competitive elections.
The spokesman further disclosed that Tuggar expressed concern over alleged attempts by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, to influence the APC governorship selection process in Bauchi State instead of allowing aspirants to test their popularity through a transparent contest.
“His contention was simply that all interested candidates should have a fair opportunity to participate in an open contest,” Alkassim said.
He also pointed out that President Tinubu had directed all political appointees seeking elective office to resign within the stipulated timeframe, adding that any aspirant interested in contesting was free to comply with the directive and seek the mandate of party members.
According to Alkassim, Tuggar’s concerns were motivated by a desire to strengthen the APC in Bauchi State and preserve confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes.
“Tuggar believes that addressing grievances and ensuring fairness will promote unity and help position the party for future success,” he stated.
The former minister also urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to carefully consider stakeholders’ concerns and take appropriate measures to reinforce justice, inclusion and cohesion within the party.
Alkassim concluded by reiterating Tuggar’s commitment to the President, party unity and national development.
“Tuggar remains steadfast in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, committed to party unity, and dedicated to advancing policies that promote development, prosperity and good governance for the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria,” he said.